|
SCCI History & Constitution..
Organization
SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) is recognized by all the governments
of SAARC member countries as the apex trade organization of the region. The
constitution of SCCI was given official recognition by SAARC. The SCCI consists
of the following national federations and chambers of commerce and industry
as members:
- Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FBCCI);
- Bhutan Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BCCI);
- Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI);
- Maldives National Chamber of Commerce & Industry (MNCCI);
- Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FNCCI);
- Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI); and
- Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka (FCCISL)
In October 1993, S.M Inam of Pakistan was elected as the president
of the SCCI. In Feb 1994, SCCI was formally inaugurated in Dhaka by the then
prime minister of Bangladesh. The headquarters of the SCCI was later set up
in the premises of FPCCI in Karachi. In December 1997, it was shifted to Islamabad.
Salman F Rahman of Bangladesh, Kantikumar R Podar of India,
Qasim Ibrahim of Maldives, Padma Jyoti of Nepal and Macky Hashim from Sri Lanka
have so far been president of the SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The
present president is Dasho Ugen Tshechup Dorji from Bhutan.
The SCCI Executive Committee comprises of seven members nominated
by each of the seven member federations and the General Assembly comprises of
ten members each.
Recognition of Chamber
The recognition of SCCI as an apex trade organization of the
region was renewed by the SAARC Secretariat by another five years as against
two years earlier. This was an acknowledgement of efforts made by the Chamber
to bring the business community of the region together to realize the fruits
of cooperation and share them with the people of the region.
SCCI Objectives
The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) was established when its Charter was formally adopted on December 8, 1985 by the Heads of State or Government of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
SAARC provides a platform for the peoples of South Asia to work together in a spirit of friendship, trust and understanding. It aims to accelerate the process of economic and social development in Member States.
Click here to view SAARC Charter, signed by member states
Constitution of the
SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry
(Amendment proposal 2004)
PREAMBLE:
WHEREAS the business community of the SAARC Member Countries
are unanimous in their desire to promote and foster economic cooperation among
themselves
1. AND whereas this desire has been expressed in the Memorandum
of Understanding signed in New Delhi on 20th December 1988 (Copy attached).
2. AND whereas the SAARC Study on "Trade, Manufacturers
and Services" endorsed in principle by the Council of Ministers made the
recommendation that "the Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industries
of Member Countries may be requested to consider setting up a "SAARC Chamber
of Commerce and Industries" / "Association of the Federations of Chambers
of Commerce & Industries" of Member Countries. The venue, modalities,
articles of association, election of office bearers, financing etc. of such
a Chamber/Association may be best left to the national Federations themselves
to decide. The national chambers will provide SAARC Chamber/Association with
information regarding the business environment, potential tradable goods and
possibility of joint ventures for dissemination with the region and that "there
should be close interaction between the SAARC Divisions/Cells in the Commerce
Ministries and the "SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industries/Associations"
in the dissemination of information on trade matters. They must also work together
closely in identifying and resolving various bottlenecks to trade, viz., tariff
and non-tariff barriers, inadequate production capacity, lack of information,
absence of standardization, poor quality control etc."
3. NOW therefore, we, the Federations of Chambers of Commerce
& Industry or the National apex bodies in the SAARC region, gathered in
conference, convinced of our obligation to contribute towards fulfilment of
the said desire to this end, decide to establish the "SAARC Chamber of
Commerce and Industry", "which shall closely coordinate the achievements
of the objectives, as hereinafter specified, in close cooperation with the South
Asian Association for Regional Cooperation SAARC".
CHAPTER 1
ARTICLE - 1
NAME & PLACE
1.A permanent organisation is hereby established under the
name of "SAARC Chamber of Commerce & Industry" hereinafter to
be called the "SAARC Chamber" or "SCCI"
2. The headquarters of the SAARC Chamber shall be located
at Islamabad and offices may be established, where and when deemed necessary.
ARTICLE - 2
OBJECTIVES 4861327
The objectives of the "SAARC Chamber" are:
| a. |
To encourage Member Countries to accord preferential terms
of trade to each other and finally strive towards the gradual |
| b. |
To encourage Trade, Service, Industry, Small & Medium Enterprise,
Agriculture, Intra-Regional Tourism and Handicrafts, to promote collective
self-reliance based on the harnessing of complementarities, to propose
economic policies mutually advantageous to all SAARC member countries
and create avenues for collaboration amongst its members and similar organisations
throughout the SAARC region in their efforts for economic development.
|
| c. |
To make recommendations to safeguard the economic and business interests
of the SAARC Countries, with special consideration to Land-Locked and Least
Developed Countries. |
| d. |
To develop cooperation among its members and other similar institutions
in the SAARC countries. |
| e. |
To promote cooperation between SCCI on the one hand and other international
and inter-regional commercial, industrial and agricultural organisations/agencies
on the other. |
| f. |
To promote investment opportunities and joint ventures among the SAARC
Member Countries. |
| g |
To act for Trade Facilitation of the region, such as issuance of Certificate
of Origin and other documentation as may be necessary for the execution
of delegated duties. |
| h |
To provide for Arbitration in the settlements of disputes arising out
of commercial and industrial transactions between parties who are willing
to abide by the judgment of the SCCI. |
| i |
To organize trade fairs, joint display centres, exhibitions, seminars,
lectures and publicity campaigns as and where may be thought advisable.
|
| j |
To promote the exchange of commercial, technical, industrial management
and scientific information, education and know-how amongst its members.
|
| k. |
To collate, collect and disseminate statistical data of SAARC Member Countries.
|
| l |
To promote joint research and development among the SAARC Member Countries.
|
| m |
To do all other things those are likely to promote the aims and objectives
of the SAARC Chamber. |
ARTICLE - 3
MEMBERSHIP
a. The SAARC Chamber shall be composed of the following National
Level Member Bodies representing each SAARC Country:
| i |
Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry.
|
| ii |
Bhutan Chamber of Commerce and Industry |
| iii |
Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry. |
| iv |
Maldives National Chambers of Commerce and Industry. |
| v |
Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry. |
| vi |
Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry. |
| vii |
Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka. |
| b. |
The membership of the SAARC Chamber shall
be limited to one National Body from each Member Country. |
| c. |
Patron Members shall be individuals/corporate bodies
donating a minimum fee of US Dollars 5,000. They shall be invited to attend
meetings of the General Assembly as observers. |
| d. |
Life Members shall be individuals donating a minimum
fee of US Dollar 3,000. They shall be invited to attend meetings of the
General Assembly as observers. |
| e. |
Annual Members shall be as follows from SAARC Member
Countries donating a minimum annual fee as decided by the Executive Committee
from time to time:-. |
| i |
Corporate Bodies |
| ii |
Individual Members |
They shall be invited to attend meetings of the General Assembly
as observers.
| f. |
Membership fees shall be amended by the Executive Committee
as and when necessitated. |
| g. |
The amounts received from Patron Members and Life Members shall be put
into a fund/corpus to finance activities of the SCCI, as may be decided
by the Executive Committee. |
ARTICLE - 4
APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP
1. Applications by the National Body of a country for institutional
membership, after the admission of that country to SAARC, shall after consideration
and recommendation by the Executive Committee of the SCCI, be submitted to the
General Assembly of the SAARC Chamber for approval.
2. Proposals for membership of Patron Members, Life Members
and Annual Members will be made by the National Body of a country and shall
after consideration, accepted by the Executive Committee.
ARTICLE - 5
WITHDRAWAL OF MEMBERSHIP
No member may withdraw from the SAARC Chamber without giving
notice, in writing, to the General Secretary of its intention to do so. Such
notice shall be considered by the Executive Committee at its next meeting, unless
it is withdrawn, and shall be submitted to the next General Assembly. The resignation
shall be effective from the date of adoption of the decision by the General
Assembly.
ARTICLE - 6
SUSPENSION OF MEMBERSHIP
The SAARC Chamber has the right to suspend the membership of
any member in case of violation of the provisions of the constitution, or, for
activities prejudicial and detrimental to the interest and objectives of the
SAARC Chamber, or for the non-payment of subscription for two consecutive years
to the SAARC Chamber. Suspension of the membership shall be subject to a decision
by the General Assembly on the recommendation of the Executive Committee.
ARTICLE - 7
ORGANS
The SAARC Chamber shall comprise the following organs:
| a. |
The General Assembly (also to be known as GA) |
| b. |
The General Assembly (also to be known as GA)and |
| c |
The General Secretariat |
ARTICLE - 8
GENERAL ASSEMBLY
| a. |
The General Assembly shall be the supreme authority of the
SAARC Chamber. |
| b |
It shall be composed of 84 members having 12 members
nominated by each National Body, including the 7 on the Executive Committee
as provided for hereinafter in the Article 16(a). The sitting President
of the National Body will be ex-officio member of Executive Committee.
|
| c |
The leader of the National Delegation to the EC and GA meetings will be
the Vice President of SCCI from that country.
|
| d |
The National Body may appoint alternate member(s) to the General Assembly
to work in the absence of nominated member(s) |
| e. |
The Secretary General of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation
or his representative shall be a permanent invitee to the General Assembly
meetings. |
ARTICLE - 9
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITY OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
| a. |
Elect the first President of SAARC Chamber.
Thereafter, the Presidency shall rotate from among the nominees of the
Member Bodies of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka
and Pakistan respectively. In case, the member opt not to nominate President,
the term will automatically go to the next country on the rotation. |
| b. |
Determine the general policy and the programme of work of the SAARC Chamber.
|
| c. |
Amend the constitution upon presentation by the Executive Committee as
per Article 30 |
| d. |
Approve the bylaws and rules of procedure of the
SCCI. including those of Councils, Committees and Sub-Committees. |
| e. |
Approve sectors for the formation of Sectoral Councils. |
| f. |
Decide on the admission of new members and suspension of membership. |
| g. |
Approve the annual budget, accounts and adopt the annual report. |
| h. |
Such other matters as may be recommended by the Executive Committee duly
defined hereinafter in this Constitution. |
ARTICLE - 10
GENERAL ASSEMBLY MEETING
| a. |
The General Assembly of the SAARC Chamber shall meet at least
once every year at such place and time as is recommend by the Executive
Committee and notified by the General Secretary to the members. The General
Assembly meeting shall take place in different SAARC Countries. |
| b. |
The President shall preside over the General Assembly Meeting. In his
absence, Senior Vice President / one of the Vice Presidents shall preside.
|
ARTICLE - 11
EXTRAORDINARY MEETING(S) OF GENERAL ASSEMBLY
Extra-ordinary meeting(s) of the General Assembly of the SAARC
Chamber shall be convened by the Executive Committee of the SAARC Chamber at
the request to do so by at least one third of the total number of Member Bodies.
The place of the meeting shall be decided by the Executive Committee and extra-ordinary
meeting of the General Assembly shall discuss only those items on the agenda
for which the meeting has been specifically convened.
ARTICLE - 12
NOTICE OF THE MEETING
A notice of at least 30 (thirty) clear days must be given for
all meetings of the General Assembly. Extra-ordinary meetings of the General
Assembly can be called at a notice of at least 15 (fifteen) days before the
meeting.
ARTICLE - 13
PARTICIPATION
No National Body which has failed to pay its dues for two consecutive
years shall be entitled to participate in the meetings of the SCCI provided
however that the General Assembly may permit such a Member to participate if
it is satisfied that the failure to pay its dues is due to conditions beyond
the control of the Member.
ARTICLE - 14
QUORUM
| a. |
At all ordinary and extra-ordinary meetings
of the General Assembly of the SAARC Chamber, the quorum shall be a simple
majority of the Member Bodies. The presence of even one nominee from a
National Body shall constitute its representation. |
| b. |
If a quorum is not reached at the first session, an adjournment of 24
hours shall be allowed. At the adjourned session, quorum shall be complete
when at least one third of the Member Bodies are present. |
ARTICLE - 15
RESOLUTIONS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
Resolution of the General Assembly shall be deemed to be have
been adopted if it has been unanimously accepted by the members or their alternates
present.
ARTICLE - 16
COMPOSITION OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
a) Composition
i. |
The Executive Committee shall consist of up to 49 members.
Each National Body shall have the right to nominate 6 members, including
one Vice President; President of the National Body shall be the ex-officio
member of the Executive Committee.
|
| ii. |
In the absence of the nominated members, each National
Body shall be entitled to appoint alternates to the meetings of the Executive
Committee, excepting for the posts of President/Senior Vice President/Vice
President, as the case may be. The alternate, shall have the same rights
as the nominated member at that meeting. |
b) |
Upon Senior Vice President taking over as President, the
nominating National Body shall nominate one of its nominees as a Vice
President. |
c) |
In addition to the 49 Members provided for in (a) above, the Immediate
Past President and Immediate Vice Presidents of SCCI shall be the ex-officio
members of the Executive Committee. |
d) |
The President of the SCCI may at any time co-opt up to eleven (11)
persons (with a maximum of two (2) persons from any one National Body
into the Executive Committee in addition to the existing members nominated
by the Member Bodies. |
ARTICLE - 17
POWER OF THE PRESIDEN
The President shall be the Chief Executive of the SAARC Chamber.
In this capacity the President shall:
| a) |
Make representations and lead all deputation and delegations
on behalf of the SAARC Chamber in accordance with the policy decision of
the General Assembly and the directives of the Executive Committee. |
| b) |
Have the authority to sign all documents on behalf
of the SAARC Chamber, as well as the power to delegate this authority
to Senior Vice President or to other Vice President in case of need. |
| c) |
Generally perform any other functions incidental
to the office of the President, and take decisions in matters of urgency
in agreement with Senior Vice President and two Vice-Presidents provided
that he shall report such decisions to the next meeting of the Executive
Committee. |
ARTICLE - 18
TERM OF OFFICE
| a. |
The Office of the President of the SAARC Chamber shall rotate
amongst the Member Bodies in the alphabetical order. However, a Member Body
can opt to skip their turn in a certain rotation. |
| b. |
The term of office of: |
| i |
The President shall be for a period of two years. |
| ii |
The Vice Presidents and other members of the Executive Committee shall
be for a period of two years. They shall be eligible for re-nomination. |
| iii |
The members of the General Assembly shall be for a period of two years.
They shall be eligible for re-nomination. |
| iv |
The President, the Senior Vice President / Vice Presidents and the other
members of the Executive Committee and the members of the General Assembly
shall run concurrently and will expire simultaneously. |
| c. |
The Secretary General shall request the Member Bodies in writing
for nominations to the General Assembly and Executive Committee and for
the Senior/Vice President at least 30 (thirty) days prior to the expiry
of their term of office and the Member bodies must send their nominations
in writing so as to reach the Secretariat not later than 15 (fifteen) days
after receipt of such request. |
| d. |
Should a National Body fail to submit nominations
as per (c) above, the existing Vice President, Executive Committee members
and/or General Assembly members shall be deemed and/or General Assembly
member, as the case may be, representing that National Body. |
ARTICLE - 19
MEETINGS
| a. |
The President shall call at least two meetings of the Executive
Committee every year. A notice of at least 30 (thirty) clear days must be
given for all such meetings. |
| b. |
The President shall also call meetings of the Executive Committee at the
request of at least three Member Bodies giving notice of at least 15 (fifteen)
clear days. |
| c. |
The President may call Emergency Meetings of the Executive Committee
giving notice of at least 10 (ten) clear days after consultation with at
least 3 Vice Presidents. |
| d. |
The President shall preside over the meetings of the Executive Committee
and may also preside over the other Committee meetings of the SCCI. In his
absence, Senior Vice President shall preside. If Senior Vice President is
also not present, then one of the Vice-Presidents shall preside. |
| e. |
The venue of the Executive Committee meetings may rotate. |
ARTICLE - 20
QUORUM
The provision of the Article 14 shall apply mutatis mutandis
to the Executive Committee.
ARTICLE - 21
RESOLUTIONS
A resolution of the Executive Committee shall be deemed to
have been adopted when it is unanimously accepted by the members present.
ARTICLE - 22
FUNCTIONS
The Executive Committee shall:
| a. |
Implement the decisions of the General Assembly and take such
other steps as may be necessary to further the objectives of the SAARC Chamber:
|
| b. |
Prepare the draft Agenda for the General Assembly. |
| c. |
Supervise the work of the General Secretariat. |
| d. |
Examine and consider various subjects that come within the purview of
the programme of work of the SAARC Chamber. |
| e. |
Approve the annual budget. |
| f |
Fulfil other functions delegated to it by the General Assembly. |
| g. |
Prepare and recommend, for adoption of the General Assembly, the bylaws
and the rules of procedure of the SAARC Chamber and their modifications.
|
| h. |
Consider applications for membership and submit them to the General Assembly
with its recommendations. |
| i. |
Recommend the time and place of meetings of the General Assembly of the
SAARC Chamber. |
| j. |
Decide to invite observers to attend its session and of the General Assembly.
(this power should go to the President) |
| k. |
Appoint Councils, Committees and Sub-Committees. |
| l. |
Appoint Advisor/s of the SCCI. |
| m |
Appoint General Secretary as provided for in Article 23 and fix the terms
and conditions of appointment. |
ARTICLE - 23
ADVISORY PANEL
| a. |
There shall be an Advisory Panel of the
SCCI composed of Advisors from among the celebrated distinguished elite
personalities of the SAARC Region. They will be requested to provide the
SCCI with their vision on matters of high contemporary importance for
the region. |
| b. |
The Parameters of the Advisory Panel shall be set
by the General Assembly Meeting as and when deemed necessary. |
| c. |
The formation of the Advisory Panel shall be done
by the Executive Committee as per the parameters set by the General Assembly
Meeting |
ARTICLE - 24
GENERAL SECRETARY
There shall be a General Secretary of the SAARC Chamber.
ARTICLE - 25
THE GENERAL SECRETARIAT
| a. |
There shall be a General Secretariat of the SAARC Chamber
headed by the General Secretary and composed of such other staff as may
be appointed in accordance with the bylaws of the SCCI |
| b. |
Subject to the general direction and supervision of the Executive Committee
through the President, the General Secretary: |
| i. |
Shall be responsible for the work of the General Secretariat
and shall appoint necessary staff and fix their emoluments in accordance
with the bylaws. |
| ii. |
May, in the performance of his duties, communicate, with Government authorities,
national and international organisations and institutions in all matters
falling within the competence of the SCCI. |
| iii. |
May consult experts for the study and discussions of questions falling
within the competence of the SCCI. |
| iv. |
May invite national or international organisations
to participate consultatively in the study of any question to which its
economic interest may bear relation and may also accept the invitation
of any such organisation for the same purpose and under the same conditions.
|
| v. |
Shall publish periodically an Economic Review which will contain studies,
information and statistical data on SAARC Countries and may also issue publications
dealing with the subjects of interests to the General Assembly. |
| vi. |
Shall circulate the preliminary agenda of the ordinary session of the
General Assembly to all members, at least 30 (thirty) days before the date
fixed for any such meetings. |
| vii. |
Shall circulate the draft agenda of all Executive
Meetings to all members of the SAARC Chamber at least 30 (thirty) days
before the date fixed for any such meetings. |
| viii. |
Shall prepare and circulate to all members summary records of the proceedings
of all meetings of the General Assembly and the Executive Committee. |
| ix. |
Shall draw up and circulate the annual report and audited accounts to
the members after approval by the Executive Committee. |
| x. |
The right to attend all meetings of the General Assembly, the Executive
Committee and such other Committees as may be appointed from time to time.
|
| xi. |
The relation between the General Secretariat and the host Government shall
be determined by an agreement to be negotiated |
CHAPTER - 2
ARTICLE - 26
BUDGET AND ACCOUNTS
| a. |
The financial year of the SAARC Chamber shall be the calendar
year. |
| b. |
The Executive Committee shall prepare the budget and accounts of the SAARC
Chamber for each year and submit it to the General Assembly for approval. |
ARTICLE - 27
SUBSCRIPTION FOR MEMBERSHIP
The amount of the total annual subscription for membership
of the SAARC Chamber shall be fixed by the General Assembly and it will be contributed
to by each National Body payable as per following formula:1.
| 1.India & Pakistan |
26.25% each |
| 2. Bangladesh, Nepal & Sri Lanka |
12.50% each |
| 3. Bhutan & Maldives |
05.00% each |
The subscription shall be payable in internationally convertible
currencies, and shall become due on the 1st day of January every year, and shall
be paid by the Member by the 30th June of that calendar year.
ARTICLE - 28
SPECIAL SUBSCRIPTIONS AND DONATIONS
| a. |
The SAARC Chamber may accept special subscriptions, donations
and subsidies. |
| b. |
The SAARC Chamber may charge a fee in any form for any service rendered |
CHAPTER - 3
ARTICLE - 29
OFFICIAL LANGUAGE
The official languages of the SAARC Chamber shall be English.
ARTICLE - 30
AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION
| a. |
Amendments to the Constitution of the
SAARC Chamber whether proposed by the Executive Committee or by any National
Body shall be included in the agenda of the next meeting of the General
Assembly. Amendment shall be said to have been carried when it is adopted
unanimously by the members present. |
| b. |
Any proposals for amendments should be notified to
the Secretariat of the SAARC Chamber for circulation among the Member
Bodies at least 90 (ninety) days prior to the next General Assembly session.
|
| c. |
Should the proposal for amendment not reach the Secretariat
within the period specified above, the General Assembly session may discuss
the proposal if consented by all Member Bodies. |
We the respective member bodies have unanimously adopted the
constitution of the SAARC Chamber of Commerce & Industry on 12th March 1992
at
COUNTRY SIGNATORIES
| BANGLADESH sd/- |
|
| BHUTAN sd/- |
|
| INDIA sd/- |
|
| MALDIVES sd/- |
|
| NEPAL sd/- |
|
| PAKISTAN sd/- |
|
| SRI LANKA sd/- |
|
|
|
